Harkness

Overview

Harkness is likely the first person players meet when reaching Rivet City in Fallout 3. He is the chief of security for the settlement and claims to be a combat veteran, though he can't remember much from his past. Harkness is well-liked by the citizens of Rivet City due to his equal treatment of Hangar and Upper Deck residents.

Harkness is a major character in the side quest The Replicated Man. When entering Rivet City, the Lone Wanderer encounters a man named Dr. Zimmer who is looking for an escaped synth. Clues can be uncovered indicating that the escaped synth is Harkness.

Harkness, originally named A3-21, had been an android working for the Synth Retention Bureau when he began to gain sentience and feel sympathy for escaped synths. A3-21 successfully orchestrated an escape, and was hunted by the Synth Retention Bureau. With the help of the Railroad, A3-21 managed to reach Rivet City where a plastic surgeon named Horace Pinkerton reconstructed his appearance. Using a memory chip from Vault 112, Pinkerton implanted a new identity, that of Harkness, into A3-21.

After discovering this secret, the Lone Wanderer can chose to reveal it to Zimmer or keep it safe. Harkness is initially reluctant to believe that he's an android, but if convinced and kept safe from Zimmer, will gift the player with his unique A3-21 Plasma Rifle.